1150 miles in three days, four games in a week, and a match 40 hours before facing Hibs: Stranraer's hectic fixture list

Between now and Saturday April 17, Hibs have just one fixture to play, against Rangers on Sunday. Stranraer on the other hand have three in five days.

Stranraer boss Stevie Farrell admits the packed fixture list isn't normal - but there's no use complaining

They host Edinburgh City on Saturday April 10, before a 220-mile round-trip to face Stirling Albion at Forthbank on Tuesday April 13.

Stevie Farrell’s men are then in action at Stair Park against Stenhousemuir on Thursday April 15, with that game set to finish just 39 hours before they host Hibs in the televised Scottsh Cup fourth-round clash on Saturday April 17.

It would be a punishing schedule for a full-time team, never mind a part-time side with a joiner and accountant among the playing squad and a manager who works as a Trade Union Professional.

But Farrell isn't complaining about the Blues’ hectic schedule – despite the team having this week travelled a combined 1154 miles in three days for Saturday’s Scottish Cup third-round victory against Brora Rangers at Dudgeon Park, and Tuesday night’s League Two defeat by Elgin City at Borough Briggs.

Speaking to the Evening News’ sister title the Galloway Gazette, Farrell said: “It is what it is. It's not ideal but it's no use moaning and groaning about it.

"We've got four games next week; there are other teams that have played four games in a week, and we've just got to get on with it and use the squad the best we possibly can and try and win as many games and pick up as many points as we can during this hectic schedule.

"It's not normal but that's the way it is.”

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